We all have phrases we tend to fall back on, and it’s often stuff we’ve been saying for years without even thinking about it. But sometimes, those little one-liners actually age us. Here are thirteen things you say that make you sound a lot older. Which of these things have you caught yourself saying before?
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Left a Message On Their Machine
Nobody under 40 says they “left a message on the machine” unless they’re joking. It’s much more normal to say “voicemail” instead, and anyone who says “machine” immediately shows that they remember when landlines existed. You might’ve said it without thinking, but it definitely gives away your age the second it leaves your mouth.
I Know Their Number By Heart
People don’t really memorize numbers anymore, and they just tap someone’s name. As such, saying that you “remember someone’s number by heart” usually means you had that number stuck in your brain since before smartphones did all the work. It’s not something people say to brag, and it usually just slips out. But it always sounds like you remember using address books.
Let Me Get My Wallet
Nobody’s judging you, but if you’re still reaching for a wallet stuffed with cards and receipts, you’re quite clearly a little older. You’re probably not the kind of person who uses their phone to pay. Most people your age don’t even notice they’re saying it, but when younger people hear it, they can already guess how old you are. And it’s definitely over 40.
I’m Gonna Run to the ATM
Likewise, saying you’re “gonna run to the ATM” sounds normal until you say it in front of someone under 30. Yes, people still get cash, but they don’t “run to the ATM.” They just say they need cash or they’ll Venmo it. Saying you’re going to “run to the ATM” makes it sound like you’re someone who still checks their balance at the machine itself.
I Already Paid That Over the Phone
As you’re talking about a bill or a copay or something annoying, you might mention that you “paid it over the phone.” That phrase alone makes it clear you’re used to calling up a person, instead of logging into an app. Of course, the behavior itself isn’t outdated. But it’s definitely a phrase that hasn’t been part of people’s everyday vocabulary for a while.
What Channel Is It On?
You’re trying to watch something, someone mentions a show, and you ask without a second thought, “What channel is it on?” However, nobody says “channel” unless they’re still watching live TV, and they’ll usually say, “Where’s it streaming?” or “What app?” instead. Saying “channel” dates whatever you’re talking about, even if it’s something on Netflix.
I Don’t Know Any of These Artists
While you’re scrolling through a playlist or watching a music awards show, you reveal that you “don’t know any of these artists.” The issue isn’t that younger people know everyone. It’s just that they don’t stop to comment on it and will do their research into them. Saying this sentence in an irritated way makes it seem like you haven’t changed your music taste in many years.
That’s Not Real Music
Likewise, saying “that’s not real music” might feel like a harmless opinion, but it’s the kind of thing people say when they’ve already decided everything past 2003 is noise. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about hip-hop or whatever’s popular now because the phrase automatically ages you, even if you’re right. Saying it makes you older than the music you’re complaining about.
They Don’t Make Things Like They Used To
Many older people will say, “they don’t make things like they used to,” whenever they’re frustrated because their shoes fell apart or their coffee maker stopped working. It’s a totally fair complaint, but the second you say it, everyone knows how old you are. The phrasing just puts you in a completely different generation. It doesn’t even matter if you have a valid complaint.
Let Me Boot Up My Computer
Most people just say they’re going to “turn on” their computer now, but there are still some people who refer to it as “booting up.” And they’re usually older. They remember the days of the Windows 98 loading screen, and everyone else knows that they’re from a different generation. In fact, most people will just use their phones instead of the computer, anyway.
That’s the Bomb
Once upon a time, calling something “the bomb” was the greatest compliment you could give it. The keyword being ‘was.’ People used to say it all the time in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, but they don’t tend to use it anymore. If you’re still using this compliment, don’t be surprised if people think you’re ancient.
Crank the Window Open
Unless you’re in an older car, there’s nothing to crank anymore, as the window goes down with the push of a button. But people who remember having to crank a handle will still sometimes say they’re going to “crank the window.” If you’re not driving a ‘92 Corolla, there’s no rolling involved. You just give it a quick tap and you’re done.
Long-Distance Charges
The fact that you even think about long-distance charges means you’ve lived through the dark days of expensive phone bills. Most younger people have literally never paid more to call a different area code, as it’s all WiFi and unlimited now. The phrase still slips out, but the worry behind it is totally gone.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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